spangle

1 of 2

noun

span·​gle ˈspaŋ-gəl How to pronounce spangle (audio)
1
: a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation especially on clothing
2
: a small glittering object or particle

spangle

2 of 2

verb

spangled; spangling ˈspaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce spangle (audio)

transitive verb

: to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles

intransitive verb

: to glitter as if covered with spangles : sparkle

Examples of spangle in a Sentence

Noun showgirls dressed in costumes with gold spangles Verb in typical Las Vegas fashion, the showgirls' sequined costumes spangled gloriously
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Fire-Toolz’s hyperbaric production fills watertight songs with astral space that helps White-Gluz’s guitars and vocals levitate, as disparate fragments of indie-pop melody, My Bloody Valentine spangle, and a few Paul Oakenfold action beats conspire in spectacular fashion. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 Aug. 2025 Rather than addressing the fundamental issues at play in the top two tiers, the spangle and tinsel come first. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
Built in 1891, the historic structure fronts a riverside garden area spangled with small hot spring pools and comfy lounge areas. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The artwork is surrounded by a plain white section on three sides and a black rectangle spangled with white crosses, which might have indicated the threshold of a doorway. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spangle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spangel, diminutive of spang shiny ornament, probably from Middle Dutch spange; akin to Old English spang buckle, Middle Dutch spannen to stretch

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of spangle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spangle. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

spangle

1 of 2 noun
span·​gle ˈspaŋ-gəl How to pronounce spangle (audio)
1
: a small piece of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation on clothing
2
: a small glittering object

spangle

2 of 2 verb
spangled; spangling ˈspaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce spangle (audio)
: to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles

More from Merriam-Webster on spangle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!